Standard Chartered, Women Win and SERVE empower 15,000 girls through ‘Goal Girl Empowerment Project’

Goal beneficiaries during the netball tournament 

Standard Chartered has successfully empowered 15,000 young women and girls from underserved communities in Sri Lanka. 

The transformative Goal Girl Empowerment Project is part of ‘Futuremakers’ by Standard Chartered, the Bank’s global initiative to tackle inequality by promoting economic inclusion for disadvantaged young people across its markets, including those affected by COVID-19

Launched in 2017 with funding from the Standard Chartered Foundation the program was delivered by Women Win and SERVE, a Sri Lankan social work-based NGO. Goal was designed for adolescent girls aged 12 – 18 years from disadvantaged communities with the aim of harnessing the power of sports and life-skills education to tackle gender inequity and promote economic inclusion.

With a total investment of approximately Rs. 67 million from the Standard Chartered Foundation, the program aimed to equip young women with the confidence and skills to become economic leaders for themselves and their communities.

Standard Chartered Sri Lanka’s Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, Anuk De Silva, commented: “Standard Chartered is immensely proud of our seven-year partnership with Women Win and SERVE in implementing the ground-breaking ‘Goal Girl Empowerment Project’. Through the sports-based initiative, we have empowered over 15,000 target participants, addressing gender inequity, and creating economic inclusion among adolescent girls in Sri Lanka. The project also aligns with our global youth economic empowerment initiative ‘Futuremakers’ where we tackle inequality and promote greater economic inclusion. The Goal program showcases our commitment to equipping young people, especially girls, with the skills and confidence to become future leaders. By breaking down barriers and promoting empowerment, the Goal project has paved the way for a more equitable and prosperous society.”

From 2017 - 2021, the program has adopted a multi-faceted approach, incorporating a 10-month Full Goal Curriculum and Goal One Day Events. The 10-month Full Goal Curriculum was conducted through schools, combining life skill sessions and sports, such as karate and netball to cultivate discipline, teamwork, and well-being in the Colombo District. The curriculum covered four core modules: ‘Be Your-self’, ‘Be Empowered’, ‘Be Healthy’ and ‘Be Money Savvy’.

To address the challenges experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program adapted by introducing the ‘Goal@Home’ Activity Book, a self-study resource translated into Sinhala and Tamil, focusing on themes of bravery, activity, and creativity. Social workers and coaches provided support through phone calls and home visits, enabling the girls to continue their empowerment journey.

In 2023, with the easing of COVID-19 restrictions, SERVE reinstated the full Goal Program, adding chess as a sport. 

With a total reach of 15,240 girls, including 1,437 through the Full Goal Program, 5,795 through Goal One Day Events, and 8,008 through the ‘Goal@Home’ Activity Book, the initiative has made a significant impact on empowering young women and promoting gender equity in Sri Lanka.

Speaking on the conclusion of the project, SERVE Executive Director, Sanjeeva de Mel, said: “We are grateful for the invaluable partnership with the Standard Chartered Foundation and Women Win on the transformative Goal Girl Empowerment Project through which we’ve helped build confidence, resilience, and leadership qualities in young women and girls from several districts from urban and rural settings. Empowering the girl child is crucial for social progress and economic development in our nation. Equipping these young women with essential skills, we are also nurturing a future generation of empowered leaders who will drive positive change.”

The project’s culmination was marked by a ceremonial closing ceremony in May, featuring an inter-school sports tournament and was attended by Standard Chartered officials and education authorities. The event celebrated the remarkable achievements and skills acquired by the participants, showcasing the talents and competitive spirit fostered by the Goal project. Its success also sets a precedent for future empowerment initiatives.

The program’s impact has been recognised nationally, for alignment with national efforts to support education and empowerment, and the project’s achievements are a testament to Standard Chartered’s commitment together with its partners in empowering the girl child.